Piggy Bank Pathways

About this idea

Piggy Bank Pathways is a bilingual, family-focused financial literacy program that teaches kids ages 4–9 (and their grownups) how to build strong money habits together. It’s built around our children’s book, Madeline’s Money Adventure, co-authored by me and my 6-year-old daughter. The program includes: A bilingual picture book (English/Spanish) Conversation card deck for car rides & dinner tables Plug-and-play lessons aligned with national and Michigan financial literacy standardsMost money programs target teens or adults—too late. Research shows our money beliefs are formed by age 7. We meet families earlier, when habits are still being shaped. We use joy, play, and cultural pride—not fear or shame—to build financial confidence. We’ve got early traction: ✅ 17,000-unit bulk order in negotiation ✅ Interest from credit unions, libraries, and schools ✅ Fiscal sponsorship arrangement to help us with 501c3 funding sources (Sankofa Fund) ✅ Curriculum written and ready to pilotWe’re not just teaching kids to save—we’re shifting generational outcomes.

Impact

Piggy Bank Pathways helps families build financial wellness now and generational stability over time. By teaching kids money habits early and giving caregivers the tools to talk about money with confidence, we create stronger households today and brighter futures tomorrow. Our bilingual approach supports underserved communities and makes financial learning a shared, joyful experience. The result? Less stress, more confidence, and a lifelong foundation for money success.

What I'll do with $5,000

We’ll use the $5,000 to launch our first West Michigan school pilot and build the marketing assets needed to scale. Specifically: $2,000 — Print and deliver 500 bilingual books and card decks to classrooms and families in partnership with Comstock Park Schools $1,500 — Produce a short, professional video showing the program in action to support pitches to schools and funders $1,000 — Design and print branded materials, including a table banner, flyers, and packaging for school and credit union demos $500 — Upgrade our website with lead capture and pilot landing page to convert interest into partnerships This pilot will give us proof of concept, testimonials, and visuals to grow throughout Michigan in 2026.

Quick Bio

Public health scientist, healthcare exec, author, and mom on a mission to make financial wellness accessible to every family. I’ve spent 15+ years designing programs that create change.

Links

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